Making it to the NBA is already a tough enough job, but skipping collegiate basketball and jumping straight to the pros? That takes a whole different level of confidence and talent. Rashard Lewis exemplified this rare combination, demonstrating his dominance at Alief Elsik High School, which made opposing teams routinely employ double—or triple-team strategies against him.
As the most highly regarded high school recruit from Texas since Shaquille O’Neal, Lewis’ games became a must-see event, drawing large crowds. Performances such as scoring 35 points, 11 rebounds, six assists, seven blocks, and eight steals against Lamar Consolidates High School bolstered his confidence to declare for the 1998 NBA draft directly from high school. However, despite his optimism fueled by these impressive showings, Lewis soon encountered an unexpected and sobering reality check during draft night.
Lewis was overlooked by Houston thrice on draft night
During his high school career, Rashard possessed a distinct height advantage complemented by exceptional agility, making it almost impossible for anyone to stop him. As a result, in his senior year, he averaged 28.2 points and 12.4 rebounds per game, all while shooting over 70% from the field. This daylight difference between his talent and the rest made it clear for all observers to see how Lewis was destined for greatness.
"It was kind of like he was toying with us," Lamar Coach Sonny Benefield said . "That kid is from another planet."
After snagging a spot on the First-Team Slam All-American, he went on a tear in some big-time high school events as well. Lewis dropped a game-high 27-point performance in the Magic Johnson Roundball Class in 1998, put up 17 points in the McDonald's All-American Game, and 18 points in the Nike Hoops Summit against a World All-Star Team that featured Dirk Nowitzki. As these showings bolstered his confidence to neglect college basketball and declare for the NBA draft directly, what seemed like a fearless leap ultimately resulted in an unexpected and humbling experience.
Given that his hometown of Houston held three first-round picks, Rashard expected his name to be called at one of them and had even secretly prepared a speech for the occasion. However, he was unaware that the Rockets would select Michael Dickerson with the 14th pick, Bryce Drew with the 16th pick, and Mirsad Turkcan with the 18th pick.
It was not until the second round that the Seattle SuperSonics chose Lewis with their third pick.
"It was the worst feeling of my life, especially slipping into the second round," Lewis said. "After my name was called, I felt a lot of relief because then all I had to do was to take care of my part."
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Lewis received further humbling in his rookie season
Once a high school basketball icon, Lewis found himself struggling to make an impact on the grand stage. Upon joining the SuperSonics, he appeared in 20 games and averaged 7.3 minutes. After averaging 2.4 points per game, Lewis admitted that his rookie year was ‘frustrating,’ but it served as a harsh reality that probably many young athletes experience every year when they step foot in the association.
Touted to be as big a star as Shaq, it's safe to say that Rashard’s career never got the start his hype truly warranted.
Related: "Work harder for who, who gonna stop me anyway?" - Shaquille O'Neal responds to criticism he didn't work hard during his career
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